Press Release

It’s time for Action to save Our only Earth

05 June 2022

Time to save Planet Earth

Protecting the environment and leaving a thriving planet to future generations is in our hands – literally. The theme of this year’s World Environment Day - ‘’ Only One Earth’’ - is a stark reminder of how much is at stake if the right actions are not taken to address the climate challenges confronting humanity and our planet. Our actions over the years have not been too kind on the planet we so much love and today we risk dealing with a crisis that threatens our very existence.

A healthy and protected environment is crucial to the attainment of all the Sustainable Development Goals because the planet is the source of the food we eat, our comfort, and many materials and resources that are necessary for science, medicine, and technology.

This year’s World Environment Day comes with the planet facing a triple crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. As those crises have become more acute, taking urgent actions to save the planet is at the heart of our work in The Gambia. The capital city of Banjul could be submerged if the sea level rises to one meter, this clearly means we are running out of time and like a ticking bomb the time to act is now.

The windstorms and the floods of the last rainy season are one of many signs of how bad things could get if the right actions are not taken to save our planet and the lives and properties that could be lost. There is a need to swiftly move to action in implementing climate friendly policies and practices to save the lives and properties of Gambians. Together, we must take critical and urgent actions that can effect the real change we all seek.

Governments across the world including The Gambia need to urgently prioritize climate action and environmental protection through policy decisions that promote sustainable progress across all sectors. The UN has been working closely with the government to ensure climate change adaptation is integrated across all development issues and highlighted in national and sectoral development priorities, policies and financing. The Gambia's commitment to protecting its ecosystems is a commitment not only to its people and those of neighboring countries, but to the natural heritage of the world.

We can all contribute to the change we need by taking climate friendly practices at all times.

The United Nations in The Gambia remains steadfast in its support to local, regional, and national efforts to save our planet for generations to come. Therefore, I call on one and all to join the global movement and make a personal commitment to save our ‘’Only One Earth’’. Remember - the Earth is not a single-use planet, and your actions can make a difference.

Mr. Karl Frédérick Paul

Resident Coordinator for the Republic of The Gambia

+220 4494734

A citizen of Haiti, Mr. Karl Frédérick Paul brings 20 years of experience in development and humanitarian work, primarily in NGO leadership positions in complex environments. He began his development career as a field officer in disaster prone island Haiti and has since worked in coordination and leadership roles across Africa and Latin America. His most recent postings have been as Resident Representative for Plan International in Burkina Faso, Benin and Country Director for CARE in Haiti. In recent years, he was worked in a variety of leadership positions across Africa (Angola, Tunisia, Libya, DR Congo, Burundi, Nigeria and Cote d’Ivoire) actively contributing to development solutions for these Nations and aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

As a seasoned professional, Mr. Paul brings hands-on expertise in leading international organizations with a strong focus on development programming, humanitarian preparedness and response, and social cohesion strategies, all contributing to the attainment of SDGs. His extensive experience spans multiple development sectors, involving collaboration with diverse stakeholders. Possessing robust analytical and conceptual skills, he has always demonstrated a profound understanding of sustainable development dynamics, poverty reduction, and social injustice. A dedicated leader, Mr. Paul brings extensive experience in delivering development programs, conducting policy dialogue and advocacy, fostering long-term equitable partnerships, and leading strategy development on transformative entry points, key transitions, that have essential catalytic and multiplier effects across the SDGs. He advocates that such transitions require a consideration of multiple policy levers spanning economic, social and environmental dimensions.

Furthermore, Mr. Paul is an outspoken feminist and strong advocate for climate action, for green and blue economies. He is a convener of people and connector of ideas that help countries to unlock their potential with confidence at the future. Driven by a results-oriented mindset, he emphatically believes in the transformative power of collaborative action and trust to collaborative and inclusively deliver sustainable solutions contributing to the SDGs.

Mr. Paul has a Master’s in Business Administration, Master’s Degree in Strategic Management from the University of Belgrano in Buenos Aires Argentina and a Bachelor Degree in Finance from Quisqueya University in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. He was accepted for a PhD in International Development at the London School of Economics in 2021. He is fluent in French, English, Portuguese, Spanish, Creole, German and intermediate Arabic. In his free time, Mr. Karl-Frederick Paul enjoys doing crossfit and as a classical pianist, he spends time playing pieces from his preferred classical baroque repertoire.